About the artist
Olavs motivation is simple: art belongs to everyone. He often creates interactive sculptures that invite the viewer to engage through both sound and touch, ensuring that his art is a sensory experience for all. He insists that everyone has a right to the inspiring feeling that a fellow human being has created something specifically for them to have a new experience.
Olav Lunde is a Swedish artist whose work is defined by a unique fusion of aesthetics and humor. From his lakeside studio deep within the forests of Finspång, he creates art for both public spaces and private collections worldwide.
Working primarily in metal—often combined with wood, stone, and concrete—Olav breathes new life into materials through a raw and physical process. Using tools like fire, acid, welding, and hammer, he transforms cold industrial elements into expressive sculptures. Every piece is handmade, unique, and exists only as a single edition.
With a professional history as a Creative Director, author, and illustrator, Olav combines technical precision with a broad cultural perspective. Having lived, traveled or studied in over 50 countries, his work carries a global voice rooted in Nordic craftsmanship.
Curriculum Vitae | Olav Lunde
(b. 1970) | Sculptor & Artist Based in Finspång, Sweden | Working Internationally
Artist Statement
Mainly self-taught and driven by a profound curiosity, my work explores the intersection of nature, mechanics, and social commentary.
I operate on the principle of "learning by doing," developing bespoke techniques and material languages—from scrap metal to experimental concrete—to suit the narrative of each project.
Selected permanent and temporary site-specific works.
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2026 – ”Jormungandr”, Public Art – Eker Sculpture Park, Beitostølen, Norway.
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2026 – ”Ankomst” (Arrival), Public Art Commission – Fredriksdalshallen, Helsingborg.
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2025 – ”Den sorgliga skepnaden” (The Sad Figure), Public Art – New Town Square, Kiruna.
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2023 – ”Dansa i ruinerna” (Dancing in the Ruins), Permanent Public Art – Folkets Park, Vadstena.
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2022 – ”Digital Hydra”, Permanent Public Art – Brunnsparken, Söderköping.
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2021-22 – ”Souls of Residents Past”, Light Installation – Norrköping Light Festival.
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2021 – ”Skärvor av himmel” (Shards of Heaven), Permanent Public Art – NKYC, Söderköping.
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2020 – ”Balansera på luft” (Balancing on Air), Permanent Public Art – Kulturhuset Finspång.
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2020 – ”Self-inflicted Crises”, Temporary Public Art – Vaxholm Sculpture Park.
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2019 – ”Fika with Aliens”, Permanent Public Art – Vadstena Sculpture Park.
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2018 – ”Cirkusslottet” (The Circus Castle), Integration Project – Slottsparken, Finspång.
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2018 – ”The Imprint of a Person Watching the Sea”, Public Art – Vaxholm Sculpture Park.
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2015 – ”The Spectator”, Permanent Public Art – Folkparken, Norrköping.
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2014 – ”The Mechanical Tree”, Permanent Public Art – Bruksparken, Finspång.
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2013 – ”Where am I?”, Permanent Public Art – Hallarna Cultural Quarter, Norrköping.
Selected Exhibitions
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2018-25 – Galleri Roddarhuset, Group Exhibition, Vaxholm.
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2024 – ”Creatures”, Solo Exhibition – Finspång Art Gallery, Finspång
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2022 – ”Bestiarium 2022”, Solo Exhibition – Galleri Hantverket, Stockholm.
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2018 – ”Stories in Metal”, Solo Exhibition – Galleri Hantverket, Stockholm.
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2017 – ”Ironworks”, Solo Exhibition – Finspång Art Gallery, Finspång
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2012 – ”Against the Current”, Solo Exhibition – Strömsparken, Norrköping.
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2012 – ”Organic Mechanics”, Solo Exhibition – Visingsborg Castle Garden, Visingsö.
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2012 – ”Do You See the Leaves for All the Trees?”, Group Exhibition – Liljevalchs, Stockholm.
Experiences & Collaborations
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2022 – Project Development & Management for ”Refuge in Rejmyre” (Peltz (US) /Tejlgaard (DK)), Rejmyre Art Lab.
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2017 – Artistic Collaboration & Concept Development – Robyn Backen (AUS), Rejmyre Art Lab.
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2016-Present – Freelance Columnist for daily press.
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2014 – Artistic Collaboration & Concept Development – Bruce Chao (US), Rejmyre Art Lab.
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2008-Present – Author (including the contemporary novel ”Att välta en ko”, 2016).
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1999-08 – Creative Director & Department Head (Domestic & Multinational productions), Leon AB.
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1985-Present – Freelance Illustrator for press, magazines, and advertising.
Education & Training
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2014-23 – Specialized workshops: Retro-mechanics, classical mechanics, experimental concrete casting, and mold making across the Nordic region.
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2004-07 – Communication & Creative Strategy – Berghs School of Communication, Stockholm.
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1992-93 – Art & Entrepreneurship – FK, Norrköping.
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1990-91 – Leadership & Military Commando Training (Kustjägarskolan), Vaxholm.
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1989-90 – Fine Arts (Painting) – FU, Linköping.
Field Research
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1985-Present - Extensive travels to over 50 countries across Europe, Africa, North America, Asia, and Australia, studying local artistic methodologies.
Memberships (Juried)
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Konstnärscentrum Mitt
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The Swedish Sculptors' Association (Skulptörförbundet)
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The Swedish Artists' Association (Svenska Konstnärsförbundet)
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Konst-Form-Design, Östergötland
Contact
Olav Lunde
Sandsta villa, Sandudden 21, SE-612 95 Finspång, Sweden
olav@olavlunde.com | +46 708 34 99 66 www.olavlunde.com